Milton and the Burden of Freedom

Reviews / Votes

'Topics include the relations between divine Providence and human freedom, classical and biblical republicanism, God's justice and God's mercy, law and Gospel, and Milton's anti-monarchical politics and the divine monarchy of Paradise Lost. While these are familiar subjects to Miltonists, Chernaik discusses them with lucidity and sound judgment, drawing on a mature knowledge of Milton's work, of the writings of his contemporaries, and of Milton criticism past and present.' Tobias Gregory, Renaissance Quarterly 'Distinctive, engaged, battling, and illuminating, a warm, empathetic intended corrective to the new orthodoxies. Unlike most modern Miltonists, Chernaik describes a Milton whom he actually likes ... Chernaik turns inward on the texts, illuminating them by reading them as a sort of internal commentary, a dialectic that reads prose against poetry, polemic against seemingly unengaged writing, Latin against English, early against late. The results are fascinating, and sometimes genuinely surprising, as unexpected connections emerge.' Thomas Corns, Bangor University 'This new book on Milton, beautifully written and strongly argued, should be read by anyone who reads, writes about, or teaches Milton, for it addresses and makes great sense of the problematic aspects and contradictions in and within Milton's writings, from his Mask and the polemical prose through Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes. ... The range, intelligence, and grace of this powerful book are remarkable, as it grapples with so many of the problematic aspects of Milton's prose and poetry that have bothered critics over the years and that continue to puzzle and sometimes irritate the students we teach.' Achsah Guibbory, Barnard College, New York 'Milton and the Burden of Freedom is a vigorous, wide-ranging study that showcases Chernaik's intimate knowledge of Milton's work and its scholarly reception. Chernaik draws insightful connections between the poetry and the prose, between early and late Milton.' Milton Quarterly 'This alluringly titled book presents a wide-ranging study of Milton's ideas of liberty and freedom, in both his poetry and his prose ... This work undoubtedly makes a significant contribution to Milton studies.' Esther van Raamsdonk, MODERN LANGUAGE REVIEW 'In its comprehensive scope, focused analysis, and lucid engagement with Milton's writings and intellectual contexts, Milton and the Burden of Freedom is a compelling and challenging book.' Claire Falck, Religion & Literature